Tennessee Rep. Ron Lollar, 69, of Shelby County, has died, according to the office of House Speaker Beth Harwell.

The office learned of Lollar's death early Friday.

"I am heartbroken to hear of Ron’s passing," Harwell, R-Nashville, said in a statement. "He was an important voice in the Tennessee General Assembly, and a leader in Bartlett and Shelby County.

"He served this country with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he served this state with his tireless advocacy for Tennessee students and agricultural issues. He was not only my colleague, but a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Lollar served in the 105th through 110th General Assemblies, representing the district in Shelby County that includes parts of Bartlett, Lakeland, Millington and Memphis.

He was a deacon of Faith Baptist Church, where he attended; a member of Gideon International; and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971 and in the Army National Guard from 1980 to 1982.

He graduated from Austin Peay State University in 1975.

In the General Assembly, Lollar, a Republican, was chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and served on the agriculture and natural resources and education administration and planning committees.

"Chairman Lollar was the perfect example of what it means to be a public servant," they said. "From his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, to his involvement on the Shelby County School Board, and throughout his service in our House Chamber over the past twelve years, Ron demonstrated his love for his country, state, community, constituents, and most importantly, his family."

Lollar was respected among fellow legislators from West Tennessee and across the state as an adamant fighter for what he believed in, especially education issues.

"It’s a sad day for all of us," Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said in a statement. "A tremendous loss of a wonderful man. He was a devoted father and husband and a dedicated public servant. He was also a great outdoorsman.

"He was irascible at times but never irreverent," Norris said. "He was my friend."

House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, also offered his condolences.

"For more than 10 years I served with Ron Lollar in the House of Representatives and found him to be a man of strong convictions and a heartfelt desire to serve his community," Fitzhugh wrote in a statement.

"He also served on the Shelby County School Board and his passion for education was front and center during the legislation we passed earlier this year involving the TN Ready testing failures. He was one of the most vocal Representatives and voices for the teachers during that time."

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tennessee, expressed his sympathy.

“Roberta and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a great public servant and friend, Ron Lollar,” Kustoff said. “For years, Ron was dedicated to serving our community in Memphis and across West Tennessee.”

Lollar was not only respected among other legislators, but back home as well.

Mike Wissman, the mayor of Arlington, said he was "shocked" by the news of Lollar's death and said he left a legacy in Arlington.

"He was a fighter," he said. "He fought like a dog with a bone.”

“I ran against him in 2006,” Wissman said. “We went to breakfast the day after his win, and we have been friends ever since.”

Others back home say Lollar was known for how regularly he checked in with constituents at the local level to hear their concerns.

“His overall legacy was he was always attentive to our needs," Lakeland Mayor Wyatt Bunker said. "I could call him and he’d pick up first, second or third ring.”

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald said Lollar, whom he called "a straight shooter," would stop by and visit him on Fridays.

"We’d always talk about whatever I needed to know and vice versa," he said.

Gov. Bill Haslam offered a statement on social media.

"I am sad to hear of the passing of Rep. Ron Lollar, and my thoughts are with his family," the statement said. "For more than a decade, he served the 99th district with deep dedication and was a strong voice in the TN General Assembly. His presence will be missed in the Capitol and across the state."

Lollar died of a heart attack, according to preliminary reports, but an autopsy is being done this week. He died around 3:30 a.m. Monday.

Lollar is survived by his wife, Brenda, and three children.

Lollar was running unopposed in the District 99 Republican primary.

Now, with less than 40 days until the primary election, his name will remain on the ballot, per state law, and the Shelby County Republican Party will select a candidate to replace him in the general election, according to Shelby County election administrator Linda Phillips.

Reach Jordan Buie at jbuie@tennessean.com or 615-726-5970 and on Twitter @jordanbuie.